She hadn’t slammed the door on her way out; instead, she’d left it partially cracked, as if she couldn’t wait to get away from him.
He didn’t blame her. He’d been callous, but it was for the best.
Malik slowly closed the door and went back to his phone so he could text Tristan. The man was going to mate with a human and he couldn’t understand that, but he’d give his friend his best. Then he’d do his duty to his people and mate with a lioness.
He’d lost the one woman who could have been his. If only she weren’t human...
Chapter Three
Seth Oceanus pressed his lips together and tried not to smile too broadly or throw up from nerves. Neither would show the others that he was ready for what was to come, but he wasn’t sure he could help it. He was just so damned excited about what was happening, even if it scared the hell out of him.
He wasn’t as old as Tristan, and had seen far more war and pain than Amara had, but from the haunted look in her eyes when she thought he wasn’t looking, he knew she’d seen more than he would ever want for her. He’d spent his life so far building his strength so he could protect not only his people but also what would one day be his. He wasn’t a prince in truth or anything, not like Tristan, but his family held power. His sister was one of the two Conclave members for the mer realm, and he was in charge of her safety. Though he knew she could protect herself far better than he could on any given day. She was older than him with more experience, after all.
He’d jumped in headfirst with all of that training, however, knowing he would one day need it for his mate, as well. Or mates as it turned out. He couldn’t believe his luck and fate.
Only he could, considering the fact that Tristan refused to truly speak with him and Amara didn’t feel the potential of a bond between them. If it weren’t for bad luck, he wouldn’t have any luck at all.
Hell, that hurt. It felt like someone had stuck a hot poker in his heart and twisted. The thought of having a one-sided bond made him want to retch or throw something across the room. But he did neither. Instead, he tried to focus on what was at hand and find a way to make it work for everyone. He couldn’t give up, even if the odds against them seemed insurmountable.
Amara hadn’t spoken a word since she’d asked Tristan about the Seelie and Unseelie out in the clearing, and he couldn’t blame her. He didn’t know all the history in the fae world, and Tristan had seemed almost worried at her question, as if he hadn’t wanted others to overhear.
It was clear that both he and Amara had a lot to learn about Tristan’s people. Because of his age, the other man probably had a leg up when it came to the histories of many of the realms, but Seth wouldn’t just lie back and allow his future to pass him by without a fight. He’d figure it all out. He always did.
He’d also noticed that as they moved closer to Tristan’s home, Amara had seemed to steel her spine. She’d rolled her shoulders back and taken a deep breath once they breached the front door. He could only hope that her actions meant they would be able to peel back the layers of what could be between them and find a way to make a bond out of hope and a promise.
“So,” Tristan said with an odd grin. “This is my home.”
Seth looked at Amara, who blinked at him. “It’s…big,” Seth said slowly.
Amara laughed quietly and bumped her shoulder against his arm. “It is that.”
He grinned down at her, liking the way they shared this experience together. Her eyes glittered up at him, and he wanted to lean forward and tuck her hair behind her ear. He only barely resisted the urge.
Too soon, he told himself.
For now.
Tristan snorted and shook his head. “I’d make a joke along the lines of, ‘well if you think this is big,’ but I think we should probably talk a bit more first.”
Seth threw his head back and laughed, and Amara joined him, the tension in the room lessening dramatically. Nothing like a dick joke to bring people together.
Tristan just smiled at him and shook his head. “Before we talk about the giant elephant in the room that concerns the three of us, perhaps we should take a seat in the sitting room. I’ll tell you about the fae world. I know it might have seemed like I was angry or worried when you asked about the Seelie and Unseelie earlier, Amara, and while I wasn’t truly either, there is a history there that not everyone is…peaceable about.” He held out his hand to Amara. “Come, and I’ll tell you a story.”
She slid her hand into Tristan’s, and Seth took her other hand as they made their way to the other room. He’d have taken Tristan’s hand, as well, but he wanted to touch Amara as often as possible. He knew, like himself, Tristan was bisexual and felt the same pull he did. When it was time, the two of them would form a connection of their own, but first they would concentrate on Amara. They would have plenty of time for everything else later.
At least, he hoped.
They took a seat on one of Tristan’s large couches, the leather a startling cream against the darkness of the walls and floor. The entire place was a little intimidating, and Seth figured it would take time to get used to.
“The Seelie and Unseelie as you’ve most likely read about in fables and myths is actually quite true,” Tristan began. “Or rather, it was true. A thousand years ago, about a century before my birth, there was a great war between the two Courts. The two queens finally let their relative distrust and hate of each other come to fruition, and my realm almost faded to extinction.” He frowned. “Faded isn’t the correct word. There was nothing soft and into the mist about the way my people died at the hands of the other Court because of where their magic came from. We aren’t like wizards and witches where the dark and light magic necessarily means death and life. The two Courts simply had a different place where we pulled our magic and ability to…live from. One wasn’t wrong, one wasn’t right. And yet, it took a war where our people almost killed each other entirely to understand that.”
Amara reached out and gripped Tristan’s hand. Seth wasn’t close enough, but he gave the other man a nod. The merpeople had their own dark histories, and there were still battles to be fought within his borders. No realm could ever truly be at peace, not with free will and choice, but at least they weren’t at war. And from the look of the fae realm now, neither were Tristan’s people. But, apparently, it had taken great sacrifice to come to this point.
“Once the dust settled and people began to rebuild, our lives changed irrevocably and the Grey Court formed. No longer were we two Courts that lived and died by the code of light and dark. Instead, we were one. We’re a Court of light and dark…as well as grey. Not pure, not evil, but…alive. My family became high leaders; my father, the king.”
Amara sucked in an audible breath and Seth squeezed her shoulder. He’d known of Tristan’s lineage, but he wasn’t sure she had.
“I was the first son born under the Grey Court and, therefore, a Grey Prince. I have older siblings, as well as younger ones, but I was the first.” He snorted. “People like to say that often and use it in their own histories when it comes to how the Grey Court came to be.” He paused before shaking his head. “Anyway, there are some who want to go back to the world of light and dark, of Seelie and Unseelie, but I’m not sure that could ever happen. It’s been centuries, and our people are finally able to live without the fear of death when it comes to the other side of magic.” He lifted Amara’s hand to his mouth. He brushed a kiss on her knuckles that sent shivers down her body. Seth could practically feel that kiss and he wanted one of his own. “That’s why I was…quiet when you asked your question outside the wards. It might have looked like we were alone, but others could have been near enough to be hidden within their own wards.” He gestured around the room with his free hand. “There are many, many fae within our realms, though most would rather hide in the shadows until they are ready to be seen. There are countless people within these walls, though they’re all working so they haven’t introduced themselves.” He grinned. “I thi
nk they’re keeping themselves scarce since it’s the first time you’re here.”
Seth nodded. He’d heard the others walking about as they cleaned, cooked, and talked amongst themselves. He was sure that Amara hadn’t though, and he was glad Tristan had mentioned it. He wasn’t sure where Tristan’s family lived or if they were close, but he’d find out one day. That was why they were here, after all.
Amara stood up then, a frown on her face. “Thank you for telling me all of that. I’ll try to be careful next time. I don’t want to start an issue or something over a history I don’t know. As for people being here?” She just smiled and shook her head. “Your life—both of your lives—is so different than mine. I come from…” her voice trailed off. “Well, let’s just say I don’t come from anything quite like this. In fact, I don’t know if I can fully comprehend your worlds. I’m just me. A human.” She met both of their gazes. “A human who doesn’t feel the bond like you two do.” Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them away. “I don’t want to hurt either of you, but what if you’re wrong? What if the bond doesn’t truly exist and you’re just attracted to me…and each other? We’ll all end up hurt if we pursue this and nothing comes of it, don’t you understand that? I don’t want you two hurt because of me.”
Seth quickly stood and cupped her face. Her skin was so soft underneath his palm. Soft, pure, and his. “This isn’t your fault. We’re all out of our depths here, but no matter what happens, it is not your fault. Please say you understand that.”
She didn’t say anything, but a tear finally fell down her cheek. He brushed it away with his thumb. Amara should never cry. He’d tear apart anyone who dared to make her feel as though she should.
“At least try, sweetling. Please.” At her slight nod, he did what came natural and lowered his head. She gasped into his mouth, and he pressed his lips to hers. The electric shock between them only pushed him to kiss her deeper.
Her hands hesitantly went to his side, her fingers slowly trailing over the top of his shirt. He wanted to strip it off so she could touch skin, so he could feel her fingers along his sides, his stomach, his chest…but he knew that would be moving too fast.
When she slid her tongue along his, he let out a small growl and had to pull back, his chest working hard as he tried to take in breaths. Her eyes were wide, her pupils dilated, and her mouth parted, her lips swollen from his kisses.
“I think I can try if you’re going to keep kissing me like that,” she finally said, and he grinned.
“Damn,” Tristan said from the side.
Seth looked over at the man who would be his mate and had to suck in a breath. The man was stunning. He’d let his glamour fall, and his skin glowed ever so slightly while his ears became pointed. And from the look in his eyes, he wanted them both. Badly. Seth looked at Amara to make sure she was okay, and she merely smiled at Tristan, her eyes wide but not full of fear.
Tristan licked his lips. “That was…that was even better than I thought it would be.” He took a step closer. “Do you think I could have a taste?”
“From which one of us?” Amara asked as she lowered her eyelids.
“Both, darling,” Tristan said as he brought her into his arms. “Both.” He crushed his mouth to hers and Seth let out a moan of his own.
Holy. Hell. Seth wanted this to work. Needed this to work. Yes, he was worried that it might not happen, that the bond wouldn’t be there because of the way Amara had come into their lives, but he couldn’t think about that. She would be theirs, and they would find a way to make everything as fate intended. And because they weren’t in danger like the other lightning-struck had been when they’d followed their paths to mating, he, Tristan, and Amara could take it slow.
Only he didn’t want to take it slow.
He wanted to strip them both and make love to them until the bond snapped into place and he could have his fill.
He may be a virgin, but he hadn’t been completely chaste. He’d just spent his time working to protect his people, knowing there would be time eventually where he could focus on his body and needs. Only now, the only two people he ever wanted to share this experience with were in front of him, their lips on one another as Tristan took what was theirs.
Seth couldn’t wait to find out exactly what he’d been missing all of these years. Sure he was slightly nervous, but with Tristan and Amara, he knew there would be nothing wrong with what they did. He had to believe in fate, had to believe in a future that included them all. There wasn’t another option.
When Tristan pulled back, and Amara swayed on her feet, Seth moved to catch her. His arms wrapped around her waist and his fingers brushed along Tristan’s forearm. Seth sucked in a breath, need coursing through him.
“Now you two,” Amara whispered. “Show me. Show me what could be.”
“Well, we can’t deny the lady,” Tristan said with a grin then cupped the back of Seth’s head. Tristan pressed his lips to his and Seth moaned once more. He still had Amara in his arms, her taste on his tongue, but he had Tristan in front of him, setting the tone. Their tongues clashed together, their kiss far more violent with need than either of the two kisses before. Seth had been kissed by both men and women before, but nothing like this.
There was only one Tristan Archer, and from the way the fae kissed and nibbled, the man knew it.
When Tristan pulled back, Seth had to keep sucking in breaths to keep his head from going dizzy. Amara breathed at his side, and he knew that she was turned on by what she’d just seen.
Seth Oceanus was one lucky soul.
“You two need to do that again,” Amara said with a laugh. “Often. And as many ways as possible.” She fanned her face with her hand and winked. “I’d ask what’s next, but I’m a little worried we’ll all end up naked in a sweaty pile without talking first.”
Images of her pale white skin against the darker shade of Tristan’s and the tan of his own filled his mind. He wanted that. Desperately.
He must have made some sort of noise, because both Tristan and Amara stared at him, want and desire evident in their gazes.
Tristan was the first to speak after clearing his throat. “I agree…we should talk first. But what of? We need to get to know each other, need to find out exactly who we are, separately and together.”
“But we won’t know if we’re truly mates until we try,” Amara added, her voice soft. “And the only way to do that…”
“Is to make love,” Seth finished for them all. “Are you ready for that?” he asked them both.
She met his gaze then looked at Tristan with equal intensity. “I want us to be mates. And I can’t believe I’m saying this when we’re just getting to know one another in truth, but I want you both. In bed and out. And if getting into bed and having your hands on me and each other is a way to find out if we’re all mates, then I want to take that step. I don’t want it to break us, and it’s scary as hell to think it could if the bond doesn’t happen. Doing this so soon might be crazy in another context, but we aren’t other people. We’re us. And I want to take that step.”
“Are you ready?” Tristan asked, his voice serious.
Seth held his breath, waiting for her answer.
“We’ll never be ready for either outcome, but I know I’m ready to try,” Amara answered. “Is that good enough? Are you willing to risk it? Risk what might never happen?”
“I’ve been ready since I first saw you in Faith’s home,” Seth said quickly. “I’ve wanted to know you, wanted to know what makes you smile, what makes you sad. I want to know everything, and no matter what, I plan to find out. But you’re right, with the sense of unknowing surrounding us; it only hampers what could be. So, yes, I’m ready to make love to you.” He chuckled deeply. “Beyond ready, actually.”
“And with that, I say we go upstairs where I have a very large bed. We can continue this conversation there.” Tristan lowered his voice. “In detail.”
Seth licked his lips and held back another moan. He wan
ted Tristan to lower his voice like that again, this time when the other man was either inside Amara or himself. He followed them both through the long hallway and up the giant staircase. One day soon he’d ask for a tour, but first, he wanted to know them both. In every way. If they didn’t take this step and find out if the bond would form with the three of them making love, then he knew they’d never be able to move on.
When he’d left his home that morning, he’d never have thought this would be where he’d end up, but he wouldn’t—couldn’t—let it slip through his fingers. Instead, he’d take it as it came and learn everything he could about Amara and Tristan along the way.
They reached the bedroom, and he could practically feel the nerves radiating from Amara’s skin. She had her lips pressed together so tightly, he was afraid she’d cut them with her teeth. It seemed the walk from the sitting room to Tristan’s large bedroom had put doubt in her mind.
“We can wait,” Seth said softly, though he hadn’t wanted to say it at all. “If you’re not ready, we can just talk.”
Amara shook her head then took a deep breath. “I’m fine, really. It’s just seeing that monster of a bed in the center of the room like that with the draperies and things; it kind of made it all real, you know?”
Seth grinned despite himself. “It is a pretty big bed.”
“Enough room for the three of us,” Tristan added. He came closer to them both, slowly undoing the buttons on his shirt. Seth licked his lips at the tantalizing flashes of skin revealed as Tristan’s nimble fingers worked. “I want to taste you, Amara.”
She tipped her chin up, and Tristan lowered his head, kissing her softly. While they slowly moved toward one another, their hands roaming along each other’s torsos, Seth stripped off his shirt, wanting skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible. He moved toward the two, coming up to Amara’s back. She gasped into Tristan’s mouth as Seth slid his hands over her hips, brushing his fingers along Tristan’s.
An Immortal's Song Page 4
